Musk thistle is a noxious weed in Illinois. The Illinois Noxious Weed law mandates that each landowner controls the spread of and/or eradicates this plant from their land. This plant spreads by seed. It commonly grows in disturbed areas and grasslands such as meadows and prairies. It was introduced from Eurasia, and today can be found throughout all of the United States except for Florida. Musk thistle is known to spread rapidly and can invade areas and inhibit growth of other plants. In agricultural areas, it can limit the nutrients and space available to crops grown for livestock feed. Since livestock find the plant unpalatable, they do not eat it and that allows it to spread further. This leads to the degradation of pastures.
As an alternative, spotted Joe-Pye weed (Eutrochium maculatum) is similar in appearance. There are a number of native and non-native species that could be used in place of musk thistle. More desirable species may be found using the online Search Trees and Plants page of the Arboretum website. Before purchasing or planting, be sure to check for any local or state guidelines on this species, and ensure that this plant is suitable for its habitat by checking its attributes at mortonarb.org or plants.usda.gov.
- Family (English) Aster
- Family (botanic) Asteraceae
- Hardiness zones Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago), Zone 7, Zone 8
